basic setup for handgun reloading

BigGameHunter

BigGameHunter

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What is the basic thing I need to get setup for reloading. I can get the books and stuff like that so I am more talking about the machine.

I have a 9mm, 38 S&W(not special), 45LC, 454, 460 that will be what I will be reloading with enphasis on the bigger ones as althought I have about 2000 9mm brass they are still pretty cheap. That being said the 45 calibre rounds are expensive especially over 2 bucks a pop for the 454 and 460. Also would I be able to use the same dies for all of the 45's or would a separate one be needed for all. What I would like to do is make some 460s that are about the same strength as the 454 so that i can shoot them at the indoor range as they won't allow full house 460 there but they will allow 454 (go figure).

I also want to make some full house 460s from 200 to 400 grain for outdoor range shooting as eventually optics maybe be in the picture for 100-200 yard accuracy target shooting.

Any advice is recommended about the equipment needed. I know I need manuals. I have been reading up on reloading data but I want to know from personal experience what machines you guys use for these. Thanks again.
 
My personal experience has been this:

If you shoot lots of pistol rounds, you will eventually end up with a progressive press, so you may as well start there.

I started with a Lee Challenger, then went to a Lee Turret and then to a Hornday LNL AP. I love the AP press and can easily crank out 500 rounds per hour
 
BigGameHunter said:
Can you give me a price on said presses. Also can a progessive be used for rifles as well or are handgun reloaders different?
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Progressives can load both, and caliber change-outs are quite easy with the Hornady.

I think the LNL AP runs a little cheaper than the comparable Dillion model, the XL 650, but the Hornday casefeeder is more money IIRC
 
If you're shooting less than 1000 rounds a year, I would just go with a single stage or turret press. A progressive setup for all the calibers you mention could be expensive.

I have no idea if you can use the same dies for those calibers. You could try calling the manufacturers and see what they say, or check a reloading manual and compare dimensions.
 
BigGameHunter said:
so can one die be used for the 45,454 adn 460 or are they all different
Click to expand...

they are all different


I bought a Dillon XL650 with parts for .45acp, .38/357, 9mm, .32acp, with extra charge bars for small and large (magnum) rifle. I got everything except an electric casefeeder more or less. Also the intruction DVD and current loading manual.

It was $1350 incl shipping, and was here in about 4 days, with another $75 in duty across the border. It is the best press I have used, though I still use my Lee Turret press to do small jobs, and for creating test loads.
 
I bought the Hornady LNL AP Press, Hornady automatic case feeder with both small and large pistol plates, Hornady automatic bullet feeder with Hornady automatic bullet feeder dies in both .45 ACP and 9mm. Hornady #45 (.45 ACP) and #8 (9mm) shell plates, (2) 10 packs of Hornady LNL bushings, and the RCBS Lock out die all for $1470 +tx from my LGS.

arcinter.com
 
I would start with a Lee 50th Anniversary kit (single stage) for $82 and a manual and dies.

Then when you're ready you can move onto a progressive or turret and keep the single stage for rifle or sell it if you want to do it all on the new one.
 
ripitup911 said:
i also ordered from arcinter.com thanks to thump's recomendation on a previous post and they have been excellent
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No problem. Did you recieve your equipment yet?
What did you order if I may ask?
I was told my order would be here for the 14th of the month.
I already picked up the case feeder and small and large pistol cartridge plates.
 
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